Shamans were very important in Costa Rican society. They offered a way to communicate with the dead, could change into animal forms, and were supposedly able to project their spirit into dream realms. Such talents were highly revered. This shaman appears deep in trance. He sits firmly on the ground; his hands are in the form of claws clutching his thighs so tightly they seem to dig into the skin. His body is painted with symbols that must have had a precise meaning to the sorcerer; almost like a map. The hair flies backwards as if caught in the wind. Most engaging is the animal on the forehead, whose remarkable eyes seem alive and on the look out for danger. This sorcerer stares straight ahead into enchanting scenes of an inner world. Who would not want to journey with him!